Some of this week's stories

22 to receive Director's Awards

Director's Award winners receive a plaque and $1,000. Awards are given to individuals or teams whose accomplishments are judged most significant among all Pacesetter Award winners during the previous year.

Pacesetters are awarded for extraordinary effort in meeting or exceeding difficult deadlines or demands of a technical, administrative or sponsor-related nature. Pacesetters are also awarded for innovations, discoveries, program development and cost-cutting suggestions. This year's Director's Award winners are:

* Samit K. Bhattacharyya (TD) won a Pacesetter Award for his leadership and initiative in developing Argonne's decontamination and decommissioning program, and for his contributions in developing other new technical programs.

* Nahum Friedman, Jon Hawkins and Christine Seaver (all XFD) won Pacesetter Awards for designing and overseeing the construction of the personnel safety, equipment and machine protection systems at the Advanced Photon Source. These hardware and software systems have critical roles in the facility's operation.

* Uthamalingam Balachandran, Joseph Dusek, P. Subraya Maiya and Rody Mieville (all ET) will be recognized for developing a ceramic membrane technology for methane reforming by partial oxidation. Their innovation could help provide clean source of energy for automobiles. The team worked in close collaboration with industry and achieved recognition for themselves and for the laboratory.

* A group of employees from PFS and ESH will be honored for executing an aggressive construction safety program that resulted in a 90 percent decrease in lost-workday injuries in two years. Their teamwork created a safe working environment for contractors at Argonne-East. Director's Award winners are Jack Jones, Robert Surdey, John Perfect, John Urban, Harold Miller, Robert Pisowicz (all PFS-FPE), Charles Wise (ESH-HP), John Surdey, Rafael Coll, Gregory Heckler, Samuel Harris (all ESH), Anne Frankowski and Janice Sejut (both OCF-PRO).

* Julie Hanebuth (IPNS) will receive a director's award for extraordinary effort and her innovative approach finding a way to reuse about one million pounds of low-level radioactive steel. The 25 truckloads of steel were re-used at Fermilab , saving the laboratory $200,000 in disposal costs.

Lab changes pharmacy networks

In most cases, by going to the new network, employees will be able to purchase drugs at a greater discount than under the previous network. Since most of the pharmacies in the old network are in the new network, most employees will not be affected by this change, other than being eligible for prescription drugs at lower cost.

Those few employees who currently use a pharmacy outside the new network will receive an individual notice from Human Resources. They will be given the option to continue using their pharmacy and filing a paper claim for reimbursement, or transferring to another pharmacy in the new network.

For more information on this change, call ext. 2-2991.

Lab hosts `FutureCars'

Students from twelve universities are preparing for the FutureCar Challenge. The students have accepted the challenge to improve the fuel efficiency of either a 1995 Dodge Intrepid, a 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, or a 1996 Ford Taurus. Known for their innovation and creativity, the school teams may include hybrid technologies such as direct-engine diesel engines and advanced battery technology. Students, however, are limited to using only technologies that can be mass-produced by the year 2004. Innovations from past student car competitions have been patented or have led to new engine designs in cars now in production.

Three of the cars came to Argonne for inspection April 26, built by teams from the University of Wisconsin, the University of Illinois at Chicago and Michigan Technological University. The final week-long performance and design evaluation for the 1996 competition will be held June 17-24 at Ford Motor Co.'s Proving Grounds in Dearborn, Mich.

The FutureCar Challenge is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the U.S. Council for Automotive Research -- a research venture of Chrysler Corp., Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. -- to challenge students to convert conventional midsize cars to vehicles that can achieve the major performance and efficiency goals set in 1993 by the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles.

This alliance of the Big Three automakers and 11 government agencies is working to develop a commercially-viable vehicle technology that over the long-term can preserve personal mobility, reduce the impact of cars and light truck emissions on the environment and reduce U.S. dependency on foreign oil. A key goals is creating an 80-mile-per-gallon vehicle for the first decade of the 21st century.

Old windshield stickers
no longer valid for entry

Eligible employees who have requested the new 50th anniversary commemorative stickers, but have not received them, should contact the Visitor Reception Center at ext. 2-5755.

Argonne at 50:
Science students hone their skills
in Argonne's solar car competition

"Silver Streak" sailed past its 17 competitors to win the first-ever Junior Solar Sprint on a sunny Saturday six years ago. On April 27, 1990, Argonne National Laboratory held its inaugural solar-powered model car competition for teams from local seventh and eighth grade science classes.

Since then the competition has gone national: In 1995, 25,000 Junior Solar Sprint kits were distributed, and 53 regional competitions were held in 36 states.

"We wanted to share the excitement we witnessed in the college students as they participated in the `GM Sunrayce U.S.A,' which Argonne helped organize," explained Bob Larsen (ES), who heads Argonne's alternative fuels and engine research. Sunrayce is a college-level competition for full-size solar-powered cars. "We decided that a solar-powered car project could work as a way to teach science and engineering fundamentals to younger students," Larsen said.

"Working with the National Science Teachers Association, Argonne developed the Junior Solar Sprint program to expose kids to what scientists and engineers do, while incorporating team-building and personal-skill development," Larsen said.

Each Junior Solar Sprint team designs and builds a working, solar-powered model car using identical electrical motors and solar cells. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity to drive the motor.

The cars measure no more than 12 by 24 inches (30 cm by 60 cm). They compete in a double elimination race on a straight, asphalt track about 65 feet (20 meters) long. Prizes are awarded to top performance cars. In addition, design awards are presented based on technology, craftsmanship, appearance of the car, and a working knowledge of the car's design.

The Junior Solar Sprint integrates different forms of learning to excite and motivate students, Larsen said. Students apply classroom knowledge to a hands-on project. They use aerodynamics, applied science and engineering skills to meet technical challenges comparable to those scientists and engineers face: how to build a lightweight functional vehicle with an efficient power train, low drag aerodynamics, minimal friction and excellent performance. Developing a successful design requires experimentation, teamwork and organization.

The U.S. Department of Energy funded the competition as part of its commitment to educate young people about renewable energy and the environment and to encourage science and engineering careers. Public and private-sector sponsors have formed a partnership to support the Sprint.

In 1993 Argonne turned the Junior Solar Sprint over to another U.S. DOE lab -- The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colo. -- to handle. Argonne continues its involvement by coordinating the Chicago-area competition with Case Corp. and the Chicago section of the Society of Automotive Engineers. Twenty-one schools will compete in the sixth annual Chicago Junior Solar Sprint on May 18, 1996, at Case Corp. Technology Center in Burr Ridge.

Travel Office warns
of laptop hustle

Travel Services Manager Larry McCure said the Federal Aviation Administration recently learned that theives are targeting laptop computers -- ironically, at airport security checkpoints.

The thieves' method involves a two-member team who position themselves in front of an unsuspecting passenger and stall until the laptop computer is on the conveyor belt. One member of the team moves through the metal detector easily, but the second sets off the detector and begins a slow process of emptying pockets and removing jewelry -- distracting the passenger and security employees. The first subject takes the laptop as soon as it appears on the conveyor belt and moves away quickly.

When traveling with a laptop computer, McCure said, employees should try to avoid lines to enter a metal detector when possible. If there is a line, they should delay putting luggage and laptop on the conveyor belt until there is no one in front of them.

More `bird walks' planned

Rodney East (XFD), who organized the walks, recommends bringing binoculars, good hiking shoes, long pants and mosquito repellent. All walks are less than half a mile.

Employees interested in the walk should meet at 8 a.m., in the Building 431 parking lot. For more information, contact East at ext. 2-2878, or see the World Wide Web page.

Dates for the one-hour walks, and meeting areas, are:

* Tuesday, May 14, at the bridge at the intersection of Railroad, Freund and Eastwood Drive.

* Thursday, May16, at the parking lot of Freund Lodge

* May 21, at Parking Lot for Building 207

Some cell phone numbers
may change; users to be notified

Cellular vendors will be at the Argonne-East site this summer to reprogram phones requiring new numbers. Users will be notified of changes in advance.

For more information, call Denise Vassallo at ext. 2-2723.

NEW ARRIVALS

A girl, Jaya, born March 4, to Wamita and Jai Prakash (CMT);a girl, India, born March 7, to Rachel and Edgar Buck (CMT); a boy, Timothy , born April 11, to Tina Tate (EAD) and Timothy Finch ; twin sons to Tony and Olivia Evans (DIS); a baby girl, Chantal Janae, born April 10 to Jena and Dennis Wahlquist (ENG-DEVENG). Congrats to first time grandparents Ray Hinchman (ES), on the birth of granddaughter, Hannah Grace, born April 16; and to Natalia Meshkov (ES), on birth of grandaughter, Susanne Cole, born April 17.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Congrats to Rathin Datta (STA-ES) on receiving the prestigious Ernest W. Thiele Award for 1996 from the AIChE. It will be presented during the May meeting of the Chicago section.Congratulations to Michael Simpson (AW-TD) who received a doctorate in chemical engineering; to R. D. Moore (RPS-S&SC) who received master's of education in corporate training with high honors; to Jill McGregor (RA)who received her bachelor's degree in business from Lewis University; and to YuMi Kim (PHY) who won first place in keyboarding at the Area 20, 1996 business Professionals of America (BPA) organization; placed second in the state competition and will continue on to the national competition to be held in Phoenix, Ariz.

WEDDINGS/ENGAGEMENTS

Congratulations to Donna Jones (OPA) and Charles Pelkie and to Ellen Christensen (AW-TD) and Jeff May (RPS) on their April 20 weddings; to Nahid and Hossein Shahbazi (DIS) on their recent marriage; and to Karen Rynes (MSD) who was engaged to John Sutton on April 6th.

GET WELL WISHES

Wishes for a speedy recovery to Don Barnett (RE); to Dave Hinks (MSD) recovering from major surgery; and to Arlen Brunsvold, Yao-Wen Chang and Win Bezella all RE and all recovering from surgery.

WELCOME

PHY welcomes Ken Borawski, Boris Harss, Robert Scott, David Sagan, Subhendu Ghosh, and Prakash Potukuchi; ED welcomes Steve Aumeier; and RA welcomes Hubert Ley.

CONDOLENCES

Condolences to Janet Parson (EAD) on the death of her mother; to Sharon Juricic (IPD) on the death of her mother; to Nina Daly (IPD) on the death of her mother-in-law; to Barbara Garcia with the loss of her husband Dan Garcia (RPS/S&SC); to Bruce (RE) and Carol(HR-SS) Spencer on the death of Bruce' mother; and to Alice Townsend (RE) on the death of her sister.

CONTRIBUTORS

Thanks to this issue's contributers:Barbara Burke (ECT); Pat Frankovich (ET); Gloria Griparis (IPD-TCS); Connie Huchens (AW); Eileen Johnson (RA); Sheila Jungman (MSD); Joann Parnell (ES); Eleanor Robson (EAD); Faith Ruppert (EAD; Jean Slater (DIS); Kim Tomasko (RE); and Barbar Weller (PHY).

Monday, May 13

Materials Science Division Seminar: "Electronic Raman Scattering in Underdoped YBCO" by G. Ruani, Institute of Molecular Spectroscopy, C.N.R., Bologna, Italy. 10:15 a.m., Bldg. 223, Conference Room S105.

Chemistry Division Monday Morning Seminar Series: "Forever Amber: The Chemistry of Fossil Resins in Sedimentary Environments" by Ken B. Anderson, (CHM). 11 a.m., Bldg. 200 Auditorium.

High Energy Physics Division Theoretical Physics Seminar: "The Evidence of Hard Diffraction at HERA" by Evgeny M. Levin, CBPF, St. Petersburg. 2 p.m., Bldg. 362, Conference Room E188.

Tuesday, May 14

Materials Science Division Seminar: "Non-Linear Effects in Heavy-Ion Sputtering" by Hans Henrik Andersen, Orsted Laboratory, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. 11 a.m., Bldg. 212, Conference Room B201.

Wednesday, May 15

Energy Systems Seminar: "High-Temperature Superconductors" by Bob Giese, (ES). Noon, Bldg. 360, Conference Room L119.

Physics Division Theoretical Physics Seminar: "Quantum Analog Computers" by Seth Lloyd, MIT, Cambridge, Mass. 3 p.m., Bldg. 203, Conference Room B221.

Friday, May 17

Office of the Director/Engineering Research Seminar: "Considerations of Autocatalytic Criticality of Fissile Materials in Geologic Repositories" by William E. Kastenberg, Professor and Chair, Department of Nuclear Engineering, University of California, Berkeley. 10 a.m., Bldg. 208, Conference Room A138.

Chemical Technology Division Seminar: "Performance Assessment: The Way It Ought To Be" by B.P. McGrail, Staff Scientist, Pacific Northwest Laboratory, Richland, Wash. 10:30 a.m., Bldg. 205, Y-Auditorium.

Physics Colloquium: "CEBAF: A New Microscope for Nuclear Physics" by L.S. Cardman, CEBAF, Newport News, Va. 11 a.m., Bldg. 203 Auditorium.

Monday, May 20

Chemistry Division Seminar: "Low Level Radiation Dosimetry at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre" by Basheshar L. Gupta, Department of Chemistry, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Bombay, India. 9 a.m., Bldg. 200, Conference Room J193.

Chemical Technology Division Seminar: "Synroc as a Ceramic Waste Form for Deep Geological Disposal" by Lou Vance and Kaye Hart, Staff Scientists, Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organization, NSW, Australia. 10:30 a.m., Bldg. 205, Y-Auditorium.

High Energy Physics Division Theoretical Physics Seminar: "Colorless States in Perturbative QCD: Charmonium and Rapidity Gaps" by James F. Amundson, University of Wisconsin, Madison. 2 p.m., Bldg. 362, Conference Room E188.

Tuesday, May 21

Chemical Technology Division Seminar: "Characterization of Early Stages of Hydrolytic Corrosion of Simulated Nuclear Waste Glasses Using the Radiometric Emanation Method" by Vladimir Balek, Senior Scientist & Associate Professor, Nuclear Research Institute, Rez, Czech Republic. 10:30 a.m., Bldg. 205, Y-Auditorium.

Chemistry Division Seminar: "Actinide Separations and Plutonium Disposition" by Gordon D. Jarvinen, Los Alamos Plutonium Facility, Nuclear Materials Technology Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico. 11 a.m., Bldg. 200 Auditorium.

Chemical Technology Division Seminar: "Recovery of Toxic Heavy and Radioactive Metals from Contaminated Waters by Modified Bentonites" by Zdenek Malek, Laboratory Head, Nuclear Research Institute, Rex, Czech Republic. 1:30 p.m., Bldg. 205, Y-Auditorium.

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